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Greed for power and wealth, lust in all it’s forms drives us far from God. Vanity takes over and nothing is ever good enough for there is always something or someone better. And whether we intended it or not, idolatry sets in. If we worship not ourselves then we will worship whatever passion fills our hearts and minds, taking up all of our time. We get what we want by all means even if force is necessary. And so in the absence of good what else can grow but hate, loathing, depression and more sin! So blind indeed are we in the absence of the one true light!

All we have and will ever need comes from God, why then do we worry and fret? If we must worry then we should worry when we find ourselves idle. For if we work for the glory of God and live out holy lives, we will always be busy finding and doing things to build His Kingdom. And we will be doing so with joy never finding ourselves in want.

Let us continue to be one body in Christ loving and serving one another, as we do so serving our Lord and God. Amen

FIRST READING
2 Chronicles 24:17–25

GOSPEL
Matthew 6:24–34

Jesus said to his disciples:
“No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life–span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”

God’s love is what prevents us from falling into our own destruction. He is merciful and patient, longing always to restore our broken relationships with Him. Turning back the hearts of fathers towards sons.

His Word and His Spirit is upon us and we can do mighty things in His name. But those who refuse His love and turns their back on Him, they will eventually perish. For how can a vine cut off survive?

Let us continue to strive for holiness always being loving and merciful to others. Afterall Jesus in His great love forgave us from the cross, can we do any less for one another?

Glory be to God! Amen

FIRST READING
Sirach 48:1–14

GOSPEL
Matthew 6:7–15

Jesus said to his disciples:
“In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

“This is how you are to pray:

‘Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’ “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, n

The only glory we should be seeking in life is to Glorify our Lord and our God. And His Glory will be upon us. What good is personal glory? Or the glory of men? That which does not last nor does it bring lasting rewards or everlasting life?

Great is the man who magnifies the Lord but stands in the shadow of His wings. He that builds the Lord’s Kingdom using his body, hands and feet. He who asks not for riches but for the Holy Spirit to carry out the Will of His heavenly Father. He truly is a child of God!

Let us all be Holy as our heavenly Father is Holy. Amen

FIRST READING
2 Kings 2:1, 6–14

GOSPEL
Matthew 6:1–6, 16–18

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”

We who call ourselves Christians are called to a higher standard often exceeding social norms. Simply because we are children of God and are called to holiness. And we can succeed because we have been inserted into the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ of Whom we draw our strength, our nourishment, our life.

When evil once ruled in our lives and our hearts, whom did we see as the enemy? It was often the people sent by God to help us. Not that we didn’t view almost everyone as our enemy but these seem a little more bothersome. It was harder to figure them out, what drove them? Why were they even nice to us? Praise the Lord for those who didn’t give up on us and kept us in their prayers.

Let us always strive to love everyone with the love of Christ and may His redemptive mercy and love us be with us all the days of our lives. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Kings 21:17–29

GOSPEL
Matthew 5:43–48

Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said,
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Worldly desires often beckons us to heed it’s call, sometimes with soft whispers other times with loud piercing cries and thumping echoes. Giving in can sometimes lead us to do whatever it takes to obtain what we desire. The hefty price of blood spilled, broken relationships, families, even the damaging of property is of little consequence for those consumed with jealousy, envy and want. Let our ears only hear God’s Word. Let us not be of the World, but God’s holy children.

Victims of injustice are called not to allow the poison of revenge or unjust retribution, infect their minds and their hearts. It does mean they are to remain silent and withhold their cry for justice. It is to turn the other cheek in their hearts to allow God’s mercy to fill them so that in turn they too are merciful.

Our heavenly Father provides for all that we have. If something is unlawfully taken away from us, will He not provide for us again? For as freely as we receive, as freely we should give. For we walk with our Lord and He walks with us. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Kings 21:1–16

GOSPEL
Matthew 5:38–42

Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.”

We should never make promises we cannot keep let alone making promises in God’s name. For when we fail to live up to them or keep the promises we make it not only reflects badly on us but in some cases leads people away from God. Who then will want to listen to our testimony to the great and loving God whom we love and serve? Who then will trust and believe in the Word we share?

When a woman and man of God strives for holiness and endeavour to lead righteous lives. It shows in all that they say and do, and so when they preach or share people listen. People too will leave everything behind and follow if they are called by them through the grace of God. Therefore it is very important that at all times we give glory to God by saying yes when we mean yes and no when we mean no without ever needing to use the name of God to make our promises. Let us be wary that evil can use vanity or whatever else and means to convince us that using the name of God will lend credibility to what we say.

Let us give glory to God by the way we lead our lives. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Kings 19:19–21

GOSPEL
Matthew 5:33–37

Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow.
But I say to you, do not swear at all; not by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the Evil One.”

Our heavenly Father can speak to us in many ways but He often chooses to speak to us in a soft gentle breeze frequently in the quiet. Can we not hear Him? Have we allowed the noise in our lives to drown Him out?

Let us not allow lustful thoughts and desires into our hearts, for it tears us away from our relationship with our Lord. When we give in to our passions and lusts, we will find that it is a fire which swiftly burns out constantly needing us to feed the flames otherwise it will burn out completely, Soon enough our eyes will be opened to the wake of its destruction. Broken lives and relationships.

How many have overlook the fact that on their wedding day there was a union of three. Man and woman in union with God? A promise of fidelity to spouse and to God.

Let the Holy fire of Christ burn brightly in our lives, purifying our hearts and minds. Let us be Holy beacons of His love leading as many as we can home to our heavenly Father. Amen

First Reading
1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-16

GOSPEL
Matthew 5:27–32

Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna.

“It was also said,
Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce.
But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

How hard we pray for mercy when we sin terribly often wondering if God our Father will forgive us. Then we remember God’s mercy throughout the ages for the contrite of heart and spirit. And the great love for us as shown through His Son our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. What joy, what peace we receive through the mercy of our Lord.

How then can we perch ourselves on the loft and deny our sister, brother, friend, family member even a stranger that same joy and peace we received through forgiveness. We need to always remember it is the sin that we detest not the sinner. And that we ourselves are sinners. Whether or not those who have hurt us or sinned against us are truly sorry, is irrelevant. We should continue to pray and offer them to our Lord, only He can soften their hearts according to His Will.

The path of the righteous man or woman is never easy nor smooth; but with the grace of God, will triumph in any race against earthly Kings. For they run the course with strength and joy. Amen (Ps 19:5)

FIRST READING
1 Kings 18:41–46

GOSPEL
Matthew 5:20–26

Jesus said to his disciples:

“I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

How easy it is to go with the crowd, with what is popular. To think that some laws are meant to be broken, or some rules don’t apply or are old fashioned. To do as we please when we please. If we have these thoughts how can we keep our Heavenly Father’s commandments? Given to us in love, so that we may live in His love and love one another without discrimination or reservation.

Many perhaps out of desperation seek foreign gods to help with a situation or sick loved one. Convincing themselves that it is okay or that it may still be only one god just many different ways of worship and so is just another way to reach God and seek His mercy and saving Grace.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, there is only one God. Who loves us so much He sent us His only begotten Son to love and save us. The Holy Spirit who proceeds from the Father and the Son; speaks to us as He has spoken through the prophets. He shows us the way to holiness and life with and in Him. He is the Lord the giver of life.

Let us remain in His love by turning away from Sin and being faithful to the Gospels. Amen

St Barnabas pray for us.

First Reading
1 Kgs 18:20-39

Gospel
Mt 5:17-19

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”

There will be periods in our lives where we will find ourselves facing certain challenges. In which all may look bleak and empty. Yet when we continue to walk with the Lord in faith and obedience, we will find ourselves not wanting or needing anything. Our Lord’s face shines on us.

Many having grown in faith however still hold to a ‘private’ worship. A self contained love for the Lord which hardly ever grows or blossoms. Some even hold to “It is between God and I alone.” While others over time allowing worldly values to mingle with our Kingdom values begin to lose the taste of Heaven.

Our love and worship of our Heavenly Father, our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit should shine brightly within us that it cannot be contained! It should penetrate our hearts, illumine our minds and shine forth from our very being; such that the light of Christ embraces all whom we meet. Darkness is compelled to retreat.

Glory and praise be to God our Father! Amen

FIRST READING
1 Kings 17:7–16

GOSPEL
Matthew 5:13–16

Jesus said to his disciples:
“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

Give us this day our daily bread we pray; and yet how many seek His Word daily? How many seek out daily, the nourishment our Eucharistic Lord provides for us?

Our loving Lord Jesus gave a program, a list of virtues in which we can grow. Kingdom values to live by and build our Father’s Kingdom. He gave us in love the Beatitudes. The key to understanding and living them is to put God first in our lives and brethren before self.

O Holy Spirit help us grow in faith and love for God and for one another. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Kings 17:1–6

GOSPEL
Matthew 5:1–12

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Lord why me? Why not her? What about him Lord? Will he follow as well? What will happen to me?

We need to place all our trust in the Holy Spirit, when we do we are filled with peace,confidence, love and joy. No matter how many trials or how much suffering we may face, He will continue to give us His peace, confidence, love and joy.

Then He will lead us home to our heavenly Father; Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 28:16–20, 30–31

GOSPEL
John 21:20–25

Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, just “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?”

It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.

How many times have we denied Jesus in our lives and yet each time He declared His undying love for us. Each time calling us back into His fold with open arms awaiting our reconciliation. Feeding and nourishing us with His Word and of Himself.

Are we ready now this day to heed His call for us to follow Him? To declare our undying love for Him? To bring and guide His people into the knowledge of and faith in Him? And with the help of the Holy Spirit, love, instruct and guide our brethren into holiness?

Here I am Lord! I’ve come to do Your Will. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 25:13b–21

GOSPEL
John 21:15–19

After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”

What does it mean to be a Christian? Is one not just a follower but a disciple? Is it not to bear witness to the one we love and worship?

What message are we sending to the world, if we will not stand united with our Christian sisters and brothers around the world? To bear witness to the truth? To stand united against abortion and same sex marriages? Against secularism and materialism? Against poverty? Against the many moral ills of the world?

Let us stand United dear sisters and brothers as we bear witness and give glory to our one triune God. In everything we say, in everything we do; all in the love of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 22:30; 23:6–11

GOSPEL
John 17:20–26

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying:
“I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.”

It is by far easier to remain silent then to speak up for the truth. Truth that often the world and those who live in it distort for their own means or pleasure.

What is the truth? Is it that it is ok for an unmarried teenage son to share the same bed with his girlfriend? Is it ok to steal from your company in one way or another because they pay lowly or froze paying out bonuses? Is it ok that younger children attending Sunday school skip mass till they are older? There is no end to the lists in which the truth can be perverted or distorted.

There is only one truth and that is to live in the light of our Lord Jesus Christ! He is truth personified! Let us remain in Him consecrated in truth. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 20:28–38

GOSPEL
John 17:11b–19

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying:
“Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one. When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the Evil One. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”

How can I share or even preach the Good news? I’ve got many reasons why I cannot…

Then again the real question should be, how can I not? How can I not glorify my Lord, my God by my words and deeds? How can I not share? The great love of my Saviour who died for me so that I may live? How my Lord conquered death so that I may live with Him? How my Lord would never leave me an orphan, for I have the Holy spirit to lead and guide me the rest of my life? How I belong to His Holy Church He established? How He provided the Sacraments for which we live life to the full?

For those living in sin and darkness, how can I not share the light of Christ? If a runaway bus was about to hit a group of people and I was the only one who saw it, can I remain silent? So it is with people living in sin, it is my duty to warn them of the danger and do everything in my power to keep them safe. Even if it means laying down my life for them.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 20:17–27

GOSPEL
John 17:1–11a

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you, just as you gave him authority over all people, so that your son may give eternal life to all you gave him. Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ. I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do. Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began.

“I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you gave me is from you, because the words you gave to me I have given to them, and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours, and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them. And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you.”

Does our faith lasts only until the next crisis comes along? Will it be shattered to the point of unbelief? Do we then question and find no answers?

We need to embrace and constantly ponder over the wonderful gift of our baptism. In which we become the children of God. This powerful sacrament of grace in which we are inserted into the life, death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit comes upon us freeing and protecting us from sin. Guiding, counseling and leading us to holiness.

We are never alone, for just as Jesus is in and with the Father; so too He is with us for all eternity. His peace is upon us and we have nothing to fear. Our Lord has conquered the world! Amen.

FIRST READING
Acts 19:1–8

GOSPEL
John 16:29–33

The disciples said to Jesus,
“Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

Praying is always good but prayer must also be put into action. Otherwise if everyone just prayed whom then shall do our Lord’s Will?

Today dearest mother I remember,

How you glorified God with your very being, thought word and deed.

How you rejoiced in doing so.

How You carried Jesus with you and how everyone was blessed by His presence.

How You first proclaimed the Word to all.

How you served the Lord by putting the needs of your brethren ahead of your own.

Blessed Mother be our guide and continue to intercede for us.

Praise be to Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Romans 12:9–16

GOSPEL
Luke 1:39–56

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

And Mary said:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.”

Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

Jesus never promised that we will not have suffering in our lives. But that He will be with us throughout and see us through it.

How many of us can say we suffered for His name? Have been ridiculed and laughed at? Have been scoffed at and taunted? Perhaps even mistreated, beaten and abused? Or simply went through hardship in labouring in Love in His name?

At the end of it, all His faithful will tell you that they had peace. Great joy filled their hearts as they were embraced by our Lord. Some, if not most even got to witness the fruits of their labour while they lived.

Praise be to God! Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 18:9–18

GOSPEL
John 16:20–23

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy. When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. On that day you will not question me about anything. Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.”

By His whole life from birth to death, death to new life our loving Lord has shown us the way. How to live in the light and the truth. How to love one another and has shown us how much God loves us. 

And before returning to His throne where He reigns with our heavenly Father. Jesus established His Church, He gave us the Sacraments and sent us the Holy Spirit; that we may know with our very being that He is with us through the end of time.

Now as children of God living in the light, we have been sent to unite all of His children scattered around the world. So that they too may know and experience His love in the knowledge and through the power of His Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

Ascension of the Lord

FIRST READING
Acts 1:1–11

SECOND READING
Ephesians 1:17–23

GOSPEL
Mathew 28:16–20

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

Everyone created in the image of God has an innate desire to know Him. It is in our spiritual DNA so to speak. It drives us to seek Him out for we know His great love is calling out to us. Some have searched and got the frequency a little off, while others way off. Then there are those who tire easily and give up, they would rather take the easy path of fashioning their own Gods to give meaning to the desire in their hearts.

Are we who are either born into or have found our one true, living God bold enough having been filled with His love and Grace to lead them all home? To share the peace and love of Christ who died so that we may live free from sin? To share the great joy and hope we have in Christ who rose from the dead that we may one day be with Him in heaven? To proclaim the Church which Christ established to lead and guide us through the Holy Spirit; To enrich, nourish, heal, and facilitate the numerous gifts and graces we receive through the Sacraments?

The Advocate knows our weaknesses and limitations. So He patiently, gently, guides and leads us into a deeper faith. He prepares us so that in union with Him we can perform our rightful duty as coheirs to the eternal Kingdom; to lead all God’s children to Him so that they too may share in our heavenly inheritance. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 17:15, 22B18:1

GOSPEL
John 16:12–15

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.”

Praise and give thanks to God always. For in all our trials, adversity, sorrow and pain. He is always with us. Through His Word we have comfort and joy. Our lives and that of our families are enriched.

Our God knows everything and all will be laid bare. We the faithful need not fear for through His Word and the Holy Spirit whom has guided us all our lives; will lead us once again home to our heavenly Father. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 16:22–34

GOSPEL
John 16:5–11

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation: sin, because they do not believe in me; righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.”

Many have been sent and through the Holy Spirit they share the joyful Word of God. And those with a desire to listen, have had their hearts opened and the Grace of God poured in. Their lives and those of their families are transformed, they rejoice and are glad.

Then there are others who listen but are not ready or willing to listen to the whole message. They listen in part and so receive in part. And if they are not careful will lose it all.

Then there are others who reject the messengers of God and the important life giving message they bring. Their lofty thoughts have convinced them that they themselves are the ‘chosen’ messengers. Or that they know better, what fruit do they bear?

Holy Spirit dwell in me, be my guide always. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 16:11–15

GOSPEL
John 15:26B16:4a

Jesus said to his disciples:
“When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.

“I have told you this so that you may not fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me. I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you.”

Today as I was sharing today’s Gospel during our Easter fellowship session; I mentioned how we should all grow in faith and love to reflect on what it means to be the Body of Christ. How when we think of family or family time we do not look or think past our immediate family members.  See how verse two of today’s offertory hymn sheds new light for us when we do especially when we gather as a community….

“When we gather in our homes, through our prayers and our meals, we are fed and nourished together, our families, broken and blessed.”

“Behold the Body of Christ, Jesus our Saviour and Life! Rejoice O people of God! We are the Body of Christ!”

Would you go through pain and sacrifice to spread the Word of God? To this day men and women are still doing it but why? Why go through the hassle? Why do some even put their lives in danger?

We will only understand when we fall in love with Jesus and the truth. When we hear the voice of God in our daily lives. When we move where the Holy Spirit directs us. And we witness the transformation in the lives of others who have come into faith. When we witness the glory of God.

And even though I walk through the darkest Valley, no evil will I fear for the Lord is my Shepherd. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 16:1–10

GOSPEL
John 15:18–21

Jesus said to his disciples:
“If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. Remember the word I spoke to you, ‘No slave is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. And they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me.”

What was it like to walk with You in the garden O Lord? I imagine it must have been wonderful and breathtaking! Basking in Your love, peace and joy in awe of the surrounding beauty. Looking forward each day to the heartfelt, deep, and inspiring conversations; both spoken and unspoken. Then in choosing abominable disobedience all was lost!

But so great is Your love for us O Lord, my God. That You laid down Your life for us to save us from impending death. So that we may once again walk with You in love.

How can I not share this great wonderful news with everyone? How can I not share Your love and joy?

Lord Jesus in Your mercy and love, You chose me and call me friend; let me love, honour and serve You, and my brethren always. Let me lay my life down for You and for them. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 15:22–31

GOSPEL
John 15:12–17

Jesus said to his disciples:
“This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.”

When we trust and move in God’s love, by the working of the Holy Spirit; we can testify to the Glory of God. For we witness His hand in the transformation and drawing of His people towards Him.

His Word is our food and drink, His commandments our armour. We are then ready to dive into the ocean deep love of our God with perfect joy.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 15:7–21

GOSPEL
John 15:9–11

Jesus said to his disciples:
“As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.

“I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”

We may love and have the best of intentions to bring non-believers, lapse Catholics or even those struggling with the faith back into the Church by imparting our knowledge and understanding of Truth. And we may even want to impart our disciplines on what and how we behave as Christians. But are we first truly connected to the source of life and joy, our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ? Do we engage Him in prayer seeking His counsel in all we say and do? When it doubt do we seek the counsel too of His Holy Church, His body? Are we faithful to the Gospels?

Greeting one another in the peace of Christ, welcoming a fellow parishioner or a stranger in Church is good and all but it’s just not me! I’m a private person! My family and my career is my only calling, they are my ministry! Speaking up for the truth, giving testimony and sharing my faith is only for those who have been given the gifts to do so! Do we then ask ourselves who are we truly connected to?

Lord Jesus You are my strength, love and joy. Connected to You, I’m am able to bear abundant fruit; You fill me with Your love, peace and joy. Separated from You I will wither and die. Lord Jesus help me in my daily struggle to remain faithful. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 15:1–6

GOSPEL
John 15:1–8

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples”

Why would anyone who gets beaten, rebuked and perhaps even cursed; get up and do the very thing he or she got beaten up for? For the same people and many others? Can we do likewise?

Is it not truly for the love of Christ? That many people like them have suffered and died so that others may truly live? For these martyrs the risen Lord is real and living in their lives. They have experienced Him and are embraced in His love. They have the peace of Christ in them and they have nothing to fear. For He promised He would return to them and lead them home with Him and God always keep His promises. Amen

Lord into Your hands I commend, my spirit.

FIRST READING
Acts 14:19–28

GOSPEL
John 14:27–31a

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe. I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.”

How lucky I was the other day when I got a cheque through the mail from the government. Now I have money for my mum’s medical bill. Or I almost drowned when my canoe capsized, lucky I had enough strength to swim to my canoe which was floating away. I manage to hang on till help arrived.

How sad when we do not recognise God’s hand in our lives. Instead of giving Him thanks and praise, we attribute it to good fortune, luck! How many hold on to trinkets, lucky charms and bracelets? How many still thank their lucky stars or knock on wood?

How great and wonderful is our God that when we are faithful to His Word, He dwells in our hearts. In communion with Him He dispels all darkness, anger, disappointment, hurts and pains. We live in a His love, peace and joy and surrounds us.

Glory be to the Father and the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 14:5–18

GOSPEL
John 14:21–26

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him, “Master, then what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.

“I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.”

The nature of sin is such that it blinds us to the truth. We resist the truth for it becomes too heavy to bear and hard to hear especially when God uses people we are familiar with to communicate His truth.

Those who hear the truth and embrace it find the truth liberating and are able to walk in the light of Christ glorifying God by their words and deeds. And great indeed are the deeds they can perform for they have the divine Grace of God upon them to lovingly do His Will.

Have mercy on me O Lord for my many sins, help me to always embrace Your truth and walk in Your light. So that I may glorify Your name. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 13:44–52

GOSPEL
John 14:7–14

Jesus said to his disciples:
“If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to Jesus, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

Let not the joy of Easter be diminished, for through Jesus we have a home in our heavenly Father’s House.

Death has no power over us for through Christ we are saved. Glory be to the Father and the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 13:26–33

GOSPEL
John 14:1–6

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way.” Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Today O God we raise our hearts and voices to You in Praise and thanksgiving! From Salvation history to this very day Your love for us is everlasting. Most of all we thank You for the most precious gift of Your Son Jesus Christ from whom we have eternal life.

Lord Jesus grant us Your Grace, wisdom and courage. So that we may die to ourselves each day; to rise in You to love and serve our heavenly Father doing His Will for us.

Let me humbly follow Your example by being a loving servant-leader to and for my brethren. And let me sing of Your love forever. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 13:13–25

GOSPEL
John 13:16–20

When Jesus had washed the disciples’ feet, he said to them: “Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it. I am not speaking of all of you. I know those whom I have chosen. But so that the Scripture might be fulfilled, The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me. From now on I am telling you before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe that I AM. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

At the end of every Eucharistic celebration, we the people of God are blessed and sent to proclaim the Gospel. To bring the light of Christ to those living in darkness. Have we gone in peace to love and serve the Lord as we said we would?

Many who live in darkness, have not experienced the love of God. Many feel they do not deserve forgiveness nor could they be forgiven for their heinous sins. The message of love from God has not reached them, that Jesus had not come to condemn but to save. So they need not remain in darkness any longer, but come out into the light of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To experience the love of God; have life and have it more abundantly. Amen

St Matthias pray for us. Amen

(Saint Matthias, Apostles – Feast; St. Matthias)
First Reading
Acts 12:24-13:5a

Gospel
Jn 12:44-50
Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me, and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me. I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world. Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words has something to judge him: the word that I spoke, it will condemn him on the last day, because I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. So what I say, I say as the Father told me.”

It is fear of rejection that most of us choose to remain silent about our faith in Christ. So then, what happens to those whose hearts cry out to us, “if only you would speak, I would gladly listen…?” How can we deny even one in His flock the message of His love?

We have nothing and no one to fear O Lord, for we belong to You. And we will not perish, for even if we suffer and die for Your sake, we will rise again in Your glory. For it is eternal life You grant us Your flock. We hear Your voice and follow You, and You know us all by name.

Grant us all that we need here on earth to help lead all into recognising Your voice, so that they too may be saved. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 11:19–26

GOSPEL
John 10:22–30

The feast of the Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter. And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me. But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”

Our merciful and loving Father grants to all who are contrite and repentant, life! Our Loving Saviour draws everyone to Himself, believers and non-believers alike. For those whose hearts are transformed and acknowledges Him as Lord and Saviour they too will be granted the very same heavenly inheritance that we receive.

As a disciple of Christ, we are called to tend to His sheep as our very own. Not only when it convenient or safe but in all circumstances and situations. Even if we have to lay down our lives for them. Or it can be simply by putting our brethren’s needs ahead of ours.

Because we all belong to the same body, not that there is any difference between bloodlines for we all have the blood of Christ in us. We are all ONE united with our one Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

First Reading
Acts 11:1-18

GOSPEL
John 10:11-18

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18 No one takes[a] it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”

A sharing…. On Easter Sunday 2014

Ever since the 11.15am EC on Easter Sunday, I’ve been recalling how looking through the eyes of the stranger seated in front of me: made the colour of the Easter celebration even more vibrant and alive. 

At first what actually caught my eye about him was that he was dressed in a polo shirt and wore a pair of Bermuda shorts.  Then I thought to myself how sad it is that he probably did not have a deep enough relationship with God, to dress a little bit more reverently especially since it was Easter. Then he started texting on his phone just as the celebration had begun.  I began to suspect that he was not even a believer as I further noticed the extra long finger nail on one of his pinkies. And as I continued to observe him a little, I noticed that he did not follow the normal gestures during the EC except to stand and sit when appropriate.  He continued to text in between the celebration, but at least he did so unobtrusively.  But surprisingly during the consecration of the Eucharist he kept his phone and remained seated quietly.  He stayed all the way to the end of the celebration.

I couldn’t help but wonder what drew him to attend the Easter celebration? Was it our Lord? How strange and yet wonderful it must have been for a stranger to witness the whole celebration? The priest and the altar servers together with some smartly dressed people in procession, the incense, the decorations and the flowers, the joyous singing, the bells, the reverance, the prayers and then the homily. Quite a lot to take in for at least one and a half hours.

Then it dawned on me what if like St Philip I asked him, “do you understand what you saw?” And he were to answer me, “how can I, when I have no one to instruct me?”  what would I have done?

On hindsight, I am quite certain now that I would have at least introduced myself after the Eucharistic celebration and see how it progressed from there. I didn’t get the chance that day as he left swiftly just moments after the procession out.

Since Monday of this week we see how all our Lord taught and promised in the Gospels were fulfilled in His resurrection and of the Eucharist. And we see it in the light of post-resurrection even though the Scripture texts were before it.

We can therefore rejoice in the Truth that Jesus our Lord and Saviour, the Son of God has come to offer us eternal life. By following our Shepherd faithfully as true disciples, we witness God’s glory by the deeds performed in His name. We see it in the wonderful changes in the lives of our brethren.

Or we can choose to turn away from Him and return to our former way of ‘life’.

Lord Jesus, I hear Your voice, You know me and I follow You. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 9:31–42

GOSPEL
John 6:60–69

Many of the disciples of Jesus who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, “Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the Spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.”

As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”

Are we blind to God’s people? Have we allowed our prejudices to obscure our sight? Have we allowed self righteousness and uncharitable zeal to limit our experience of God’s love and wisdom? Are we fearful of bringing the Lord’s message and truth to others in order to set them free?

Unless we strive daily to seek God’s Will for us; to seek His knowledge, wisdom, peace, grace and love. Through prayer, reflection and of His Word; how can we grow, in faith, love and understanding? How can we share the ever renewing, ever growing, every living, ever faithful love of God if we do not experience it for ourselves?

How then can we fully embrace and cherish the Supreme love of God in the Eucharist? Life not taken but given freely without end.

Lord Jesus I seek to live a resurrected life in You. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 9:1–20

GOSPEL
John 6:52–59

The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his Flesh to eat?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my Flesh is true food, and my Blood is true drink. Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” These things he said while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.

Do you yet recognise the prompting of the Holy Spirit? The call to service? The sudden strong desire to share something with someone you may or may not know? To go somewhere and do something at the drawing pull of an unseen hand? A rush of ‘adrenaline’ to push you forward in excitement not of fear.

How sad when we do not respond to the call, do not recognise it, or shrug it off because we are simply too preoccupied with our worldly affairs. We would miss a wonderful opportunity to be a part of and to witness the Glory of God.

Unless we open our hearts to God we will not feel His embrace, His gentle hand drawing us close to Him, prompting us where we need to be or to go. We will not treasure the supreme gift of Jesus the resurrection, gateway to heaven. To cherish and partake of God Himself in the Eucharist.

Lord Jesus my life is not complete without You. Help me to overcome all that prevents me from remaining faithful to You. And let me guide others as You have guided me through Your faithful. In Your most precious name I pray. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 8:26–40

GOSPEL
John 6:44–51

Jesus said to the crowds: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day. It is written in the prophets:

They shall all be taught by God.

Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my Flesh for the life of the world.”

In times of turmoil or trauma the instinct for most of us is to flee. To look quickly for our safe havens, some even turning to vice or a quick fix. How many would instead turn to the Lord? How many can stand rooted in faith, peace and joy and still be a comfort to others even when they themselves face hardship and difficulty?

Having faith in our Lord Jesus Christ enables all ordinary people to perform extraordinary works! For His love and life giving grace is upon them.

Our loving Father wants each and everyone of us to spend an eternity with Him, our heavenly inheritance. And He has provided everything and all that we need to do so; the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end, the most precious gift we can ever hope to receive, our loving Saviour Jesus. Glory be to the Father and the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 8:1b–8

GOSPEL
John 6:35–40

Jesus said to the crowds,
“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst. But I told you that although you have seen me, you do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.”

It is far better to be silent then to speak out the truth. Afterall speaking out is extremely tiresome, sometimes painful and it certainly opens ourselves to trouble even persecution. But how then can we say we love the life, the Truth and the way?

Carrying our cross while making reparation for sins is indeed a Holy honour. For we do so for the love of, our Lord and God, Jesus Christ. And we do so not alone; for we are united with Him through Holy Communion. The Bread of life which nourishes us and gives us life.
And at life’s end we will unite ourself once again with Him as we cry out, Lord into Your hands I commend my spirit. Amen.

FIRST READING
Acts 7:51B8:1a

GOSPEL
John 6:30–35

The crowd said to Jesus: “What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you? What can you do? Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” So Jesus said to them, Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” So they said to Jesus, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”

What does it mean to believe in Jesus? Is it simply enough to utter our belief with our mouths? The prayers of many are still prayers of well being for themselves and their loved ones, which in itself is not wrong. But how many pray to know and do our Father’s Will? How many search for the counsel of Jesus to say the right thing and perform the right action so as to draw others to the Kingdom of God?

To believe in Jesus is to love and serve and God our Father and to do His Will. To carry our cross daily, constantly struggling to avoid temptation and sin. To be faithful to the Holy Word of God.

And when we remain faithful, we know that the grace, love and peace of God is upon us. No one can say anything or have the upper hand against us in matters of faith and morals. We work for the love of God and our brethren. Our joy, our reward is in doing our Father’s Will for which it is all that we need; all that nourishes, all that sustains, and is all encompassing. Amen

FIRST READING
Acts 6:8–15

GOSPEL
John 6:22–29

[After Jesus had fed the five thousand men, his disciples saw him walking on the sea.] The next day, the crowd that remained across the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not gone along with his disciples in the boat, but only his disciples had left. Other boats came from Tiberias near the place where they had eaten the bread when the Lord gave thanks. When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus. And when they found him across the sea they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered them and said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.” So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.”

The higher up you go in growth and knowledge of your faith, there is a risk of pride, impatience, detachment; a disconnect with your brothers and sisters in Christ as they are left behind. The higher up you go the lower your head must be.

As a disciple of Christ, I am full time Catholic holding a part time job in my place of employment.  In any given situation I am a full time disciple loving and serving my Lord and brethren.

Have we let the light go off? Or have we allowed sin to blow it off? Has doubt in the resurrection set in? Or are we Easter people living in the joy of our resurrected Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ?!

Dying to sin and living in the light is an on-going process, a daily struggle if you will. A struggle we do not need to face alone. For we have the living word and the Holy Spirit to help and guide us. And a faith that can go deeper and stronger, if we spend quality time in prayer and reflection with our Lord.

We depend not on our eyes to see but our hearts centred on Jesus.

Glory to You O Lord! Alleluia

FIRST READING
1 Corinthians 15:1–8

GOSPEL
John 14:6–14

Jesus said to Thomas, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”